The first big hit of the new season is also the first relationship drama to resonate with audiences in ages

From Campaign US: When it comes to drama, NBC has a tendency to stick with what works. Case in point: A fourth entry in the network’s Chicago-themed franchise, “Chicago Law,” arrives in midseason. So when the network announced at the upfront that it would debut a new fall drama from “Crazy, Stupid, Love” writer and producer Dan Fogelman called “This Is Us,” many observers justifiably questioned whether an audience weaned on Dick Wolf storytelling would take to something so deeply relationship-oriented.

After all, it’s been ages since a family relationship drama has really resonated with viewers. Yes, ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters” was a moderate hit from 2006 to 2011, and “Parenthood” managed a five-year run on NBC from 2006 to 2011. There was also “Friday Night Lights” on NBC, which only managed to stay afloat beyond season two by co-producing seasons three through five with DirectTV. But none of the three were a true ratings success.